§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Prime Minister to whom the Strategic Communications Unit is answerable. [127423]
§ The Prime MinisterThe Strategic Communications Unit is managed by the Chief Press Secretary and is answerable to me.
§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Prime Minister (1) if the Strategic Communications Unit has the power to veto announcements from Government Departments; [127424]
(2) if he will make a statement on the work of the Strategic Communications Unit; and what plans he has to review its work. [127422]
§ The Prime MinisterThe background to the decision to establish the Strategic Communications Unit was set out in my answer to my right hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Erdington (Mr. Corbett), on 14 January 1998,Official Report, columns 233–34W. Since its inception, the Strategic Communications Unit has provided general advice to me and is responsible for the co-ordination of announcements across government. It has also worked on specific projects such as preparing the Government's Annual Reports and is responsible for the No.10 website.
§ Mr. LansleyTo ask the Prime Minister what safeguards have been put in place to ensure that the Strategic Communications Unit is not engaged in party political activities. [127427]
§ The Prime MinisterI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to his hon. Friend the Member for Worthing, West (Mr. Bottomley) on 15 June 2000,Official Report, column 701W.